Let The Games Begin!

Let the games begin! The Adaptive Physical Education (APE) Field Day was a wild success for all its participants. In its sixth year, what started out as a small event has evolved into something much bigger. 

“In the beginning, I was looking to expand the idea of field day to include all participants,” said P.E. teacher Rob McCullum, “not everyone can participate in the typical field day. This field day has activities for everyone.” 

Over time, Sarah Barnes and the teachers in the Career Skills classroom at BHS, joined in to help. Teachers from JFK, C.V. Starr and Wells also contributed and made suggestions for age appropriate events. The field day now boasts classes from all four BCSD schools and students from North Salem. 

The event took place at the new turf field–the fifty yard line was abuzz with a giant rainbow parachute. Classes of students took turns popping up balls, running through, sitting on, and wheeling under the parachute. Other activities included a bubble machine, obstacle courses, a pillow throw, bouncy ball relays and a highlight–the Brewster Fire Department with trucks and a working hose for students to spray. 

BHS student volunteers (Avery Dudones, Kaitlin Whalen, Kyle Fantini, Jacob Ercole and Juliet Bryggman–including four BHS alum (Izzy Arenas, Emily Babbio, Carter Dineen and Jarrid Bryggman) who came back for the occasion–helped students through the stations. Members of the National Honor Art Society painted faces and arms with popular characters–Bluey, Spidey, Pokemon–and pictures–suns, spiders, butterflies. 

Andrea Perdicho, the musical director at BHS and the voice of the event, was on the PA pumping up the crowd with her wind ensemble and her spirit. 

“You rock my world JFK! Who wants to hear YMCA again? How about a round of Simon Says? Give me a thumbs up!” said Perdicho. 

Members of the Putnam Rotary were there as well. The rotary has been a major supporter of this event from the beginning. Each year, the Patterson Rotary donates the money for the t-shirts and members are on hand to volunteer on the field. The shirts, designed by Barnes, boasted this year's theme: APE Field Day 2025, DIsability Poses No Limits to Sports.